I am asking for your vote to be the next Secretary of the California Library Association.  I believe we can all make a difference when we come together as professionals.  I have been an active member of CLA throughout my career, and I have seen how the Association can make a difference for libraries and librarians in California.  I have worked in a variety of settings, and have been active in ALA, serving on PLA and LLAMA committees, engaging and interacting with librarians from all across the country.  As Secretary, I would work hard to ensure that we maintain the connections, history and information that we need for our Association to grow and thrive, making a difference for all library staff in California.

As CLA Secretary, I would be at your service, working to ensure that the Association continues to grow and improve and keeps our libraries moving forward and making a difference for California.  Thank you.

Questionaire

1. How do you define leadership?
   The servant model of leadership resonates with me- how can I help and enable those around me to try new things, propose new solutions to problems and generally do great things.  
2. Why are you interested in this position?
   I believe it is important to give back to the profession, to help share ideas and knowledge, to make our Association stronger and to help ensure the future of Libraries.
3. How would you describe your personal leadership/communication style?  I believe in open communication and the open exchange of ideas.  I believe that working together works best, and makes for an effective organization.
4. What strengths would you bring to the position?
   I am very good at seeing the “Big Picture”, and looking ahead.  I am an effective trend watcher, and I am willing to try new things and look at things from different perspectives.  I am a good communicator, both in person and in writing.
5. What experience do you bring to this position?
   I have over 25 years in the Library profession, and I have worked in small, medium and large library systems.  I have experience in all levels of an organization, and can see how things interconnect. 
6. What issues or trends are particularly informing your work at this time?
   Community engagement and outcome measurement issues are top of mind right now, as we look at what we do, why we do it and the role of the library in the community.  Other key issues and trends are linked to advocacy and sustainability. 
7. Who are the thought leaders (in libraries or in other fields) who interest you?
   This could take a while - In the field, I admire and respect Susan Hildreth, our former State Librarian and former Head of IMLS.  Carla Hayden, our new Librarian of Congress, is one of my library heroes, and I am a fan of both PC Sweeney and John Chrastka and the work they do for us through EveryLibrary.  There are many others here in CA too – Patty Wong at Santa Monica, John Szabo at LAPL, Luis Herrera at SFPL, Sarah Houghton in San Rafael and Jill Bourne at San Jose to name a few -They are all people I look up to in our field, and their work blazes a trail for the rest of us.  Outside the library field, I find the writing of George Lakoff to be thought provoking about politics. Lawrence Lessig is another important voice.  I would work for Senator Elizabeth Warren or Senator Kamala Harris for free. 
8. Who are the regional and statewide stakeholders libraries need to be in communication with?
   The Education community, as Libraries are a key part of the Education enterprise; We need to be talking to other Local Government groups, to combine efforts and improve the quality of life in our communities; The Legislature, so that all our representatives understand the value of investments in libraries for everyone. 
9. What do you feel are the most critical challenges and opportunities facing California libraries right now? Sustainability is a key challenge for all of us – the importance of libraries is not self-evident and we need to do a better job of sharing our value proposition.  Budgets continue to be tight due to the nature of local government finance, and our organizations are stretched thin when there is so much to do.  On a positive note, there are so MANY opportunities now – Maker spaces; Career Online High School and workforce development; new educational support opportunities like Coding Clubs and STEAM programming; and so much more. 
10. Describe your experience serving on Association committees and/or interest groups. 
    I have served on a wide range of committees both for CLA and ALA.  In CLA, I have been a committee chair, and I have served as a liaison to ALA in that capacity.  I have been active in CLA Interest Groups, and I have organized and participated in panel presentations at both the State and National level.  I am currently a member of the PLA Technology Committee and I have served on the LLAMA Architecture for Public Libraries committee, and the PLA PLDF Advisory Committee.  I am currently a member of the CLA Legislative Committee.
11. Describe your network of connections with library professionals and library stakeholders in California.
    I have a good strong network of connections throughout the profession in California, thanks to CLA, Califa and the CLSA systems.